Rising Stars: Meet Jon Reeves

I’ve been working with metal for over 40 years. I apprenticed under some great blacksmiths and steel workers who taught me the benefits of a coal forge and a good hammer. I’ve  also been the Technical Director at various theaters, and have designed and built hundreds of sets using steel and have made a variety of theatrical weapons, like broad swords, daggers, and rapiers. I’ve always blacksmithed during this time, too, being an instructor at another forge before opening my own, Combat Ready Art, about 20 years ago.

There has always been metalwork to do, whether it was for theater or at the forge. As far as blacksmithing classes, we had a consistent numbers of classes for about 13 years, but they really took off since Covid. We did a lot of work for restaurants during that time, making their railings for outdoor seating. When we reopened for classes, people were looking for experiences. And since all of our classes have always been private, we think people were more comfortable since they knew everyone who was with them. Because of my experience working with children in the Youth Theater, our classes are open to anyone 9 years old and older. We get a lot of families come because of that. 3 generation classes are always fun. We also do a lot of teambuilding and date nights too. The forge is the great equalizer. Very few people will have any prior experience, so everyone starts at the same level.

We teach blacksmithing and knifemaking, and also do commission work (like the piece for Binder Park Zoo, pictured). We don’t just do knifemaking classes, although those are the most popular. We also have a basic blacksmithing skills class, magic wand making, steel flowers making, and welding. We want people to see that blacksmithing isn’t just knifemkaing. There is also a strong art side to the forge. But even knives can be both practical and artistic.

Everyone has the ability; they may just not have the experience or confidence yet. Of course, making a knife seems intimidating. The fire is 2700 degrees; the grinders are loud and make a lot of sparks. Seeing the steel compared to the examples, it seems an impossible task. And even though our students will do every part of the knifemaking or metalwork process, we guide them through the class. We’ve had people come who have never even held a hammer before. When they leave with a knife that they made, they also leave with a new confidence.

1 Comment

1. 

   Judy Versalle

   October 14, 2022 at 1:06 am

   Jon Reeves is an incredibly talented person and brings a lot to the Kalamazoo Community and the surrounding area. His studio/forge at The Park Trades Center in Kalamazoo is incredible and should be a “must stop at” during the first Friday of each month Kalamazoo’s Art Hop! I’ve purchased gift certificates from his shop for classes and they’ve been the best presents ever given!

   Reply